A Word About the Language We Use

DEAF usually refers to people who have various degrees of hearing loss but for whom sign language is their first and often only means of communication.

DEAFBLIND tends to refer to those people for whom "Hands on" signing is required. In our modern world, Usher Syndrome, (a lifelong congenital condition) is thought to be the main cause of Deafblindness. In Ushers the hearing loss is evident from early childhood with the onset of visual impairment as the child grows.

While sign language is taught and used, it does require slight adaptations, to that used in the Deaf community. This enables the D/B person to feel our signs on their hands.

When the Deafness and blindness develop through the aging process, people who have, throughout their lives, been able to communicate in speech or written word, have little chance in their older years of learning to communicate on their hands. Enormous levels of frustration and feelings of isolation are present and these older people are known to become severely anxious and depressed. For the signing ÷Ushers Syndrome person the experience of frustration and isolation is far less likely.

HARD OF HEARING tends to refer to those people who have had and have now lost much of their hearing. This can lead to frustration and feelings of isolation, as they often pull back from previously enjoyed activities and they no longer enjoy normal conversations or social interactions. Within the H.H. community, sign language is not an option. Lip Reading skills are generally thought to be the most advantageous route in finding ways to improve communication.

Additionally, in supporting people with severe or profound hearing loss, it is possible that we learn how best to formulate our own lip patterns. This would help the Hearing Impaired person make sense of our spoken communication. If you are facing the H.H person please do not cover your mouth, speak clearly, do not shout or over articulate the words.
There are classes available to teach both lipreading and lip speaking skills. Accessing these classes would perhaps allow H.H people to follow speech within our Liturgy.

CODA stands for Children of Deaf Adults... one of our most valued resources in supporting Deaf people in the Church. People whose parents are Deaf often see Sign as their first language. It is how they communicate with their parents from being babies and throughout their lives. Use of sign language is part of their nature. They experience the difficulties Deaf people face in a hearing world. They are frequently used as "Interpreter " at a very young age. CODA have an insight into Deafness only they can know. As a distinct and unique group of people they share many similarities in their family experiences. We must value this group of people in our attempts to support Deaf people as they take their place within the family of the Church.